Katie Boulter was crushed by former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin within the Pan Pacific Open semi-final after a powerful run on her Tokyo debut.
The British No 1 and ninth seed had been in imperious type, regaining some momentum after an sooner than anticipated exit on the US Open, however misplaced to Kenin 6-4 6-4.
The Brit had been and not using a back-to-back wins since Toronto, however was off to a powerful begin in Tokyo, together with a commanding win over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
Boulter was damaged twice in succession by Kenin and regardless of getting one of many breaks again, the American closed out the primary set on her second try having squandered three set factors on Boulter’s serve.
Boulter had no luck in attempting convert 4 break level possibilities over Kenin halfway via the second set, and misplaced her personal serve on the following recreation, leaving Kenin to carry on to a single break benefit and sealing the match on her first match level.
Kenin’s season solely took off mid-way via the season together with her first back-to-back wins coming in Rome, then the French Open and extra just lately in Tokyo.
She reaches her first closing since San Diego final 12 months, and she or he final gained a title in 2020 (Lyon) – the identical 12 months she gained her maiden Grand Slam title in Australia.
Nonetheless afterward Saturday, Kenin retired in ladies’s doubles semi-final the place she was partnering Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Laura Siegemund and Ena Shibahara had been main 5-2 with Kenin unable to proceed the match and looking out visibly upset.
Kenin is because of face prime seed Zheng Qinwen within the closing, after the latest Olympic champion and Wuhan finalist beat Diana Shnaider 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
- Erste Financial institution Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Swiss Indoors, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
- Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
- Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)
- Hong Kong Tennis Open – WTA 250 (October 28 – November 3)
- Jiangxi Open – WTA 250 (October 28 – November 3)
- Merida Open Akron – WTA 250 (October 28 – November 3)
- Rolex Paris Masters – ATP 1000 (October 28 – November 3)
Sky Sports activities reveals stay protection of ATP and WTA Tennis tournaments all year long. Get on the spot entry to stay tennis and extra sports activities with NOW.
